<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE A. T. CROSS COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                      43,461,006
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               46,522,281
<ALLOWANCES>                                 1,552,000
<INVENTORY>                                 26,173,573
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           119,371,883
<PP&E>                                     104,458,449
<DEPRECIATION>                              64,133,753
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             175,190,535
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       42,890,610
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                    17,087,212
<OTHER-SE>                                 109,703,713
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               175,190,535
<SALES>                                    179,203,443
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           181,554,512
<CGS>                                       94,092,978
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            77,480,616
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               342,977
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             260,015
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              9,377,926
<INCOME-TAX>                                 2,772,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          6,605,926
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 6,605,926
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.40